Dynamics of Excited Electronic States in DNA Strands

在这项工作中，化学系的化学结构动力学和机理(CSDM-A)计划资助蒙大拿州立大学的伯恩·科勒教授研究双链DNA的光物理。双链DNA似乎增强了抗光降解的稳定性，科勒小组正在进行详细的研究，以更好地了解这种光化学稳定性的机制基础。在其他实验中，科勒教授和他的研究学生将研究DNA在所谓的深度共熔溶剂(DES)中的光化学差异。科勒教授的研究在生物学和医学上具有重要意义，因为了解DNA与光相互作用的方式直接关系到理解来自太阳的紫外线会损害皮肤的方式。在科勒实验室工作的学生接受物理化学和生物相结合的培训，为在药物或生物技术领域的职业生涯做准备。科勒研究小组包括本科生积极参与真实研究。此外，科勒教授和他的研究小组成员还通过蒙大拿州州立大学的科学数学资源中心和蒙大拿州太空资助协会等各种既定计划，与蒙大拿州的K-12学生和教师进行了接触。伯尔尼·科勒教授和他的研究小组将使用超快激光方法进行详细的光化学实验，以研究双链DNA有趣的光物理。关于双链DNA在电子激发后到底如何光化学衰变的问题仍然存在。在目前的奖项中，科勒教授和他的团队将进行一些实验，以更好地了解光化学细节。将进行的实验包括：(1)使用时间分辨红外(TRIR)光谱研究AT和GC DNA中的协同质子-电子转移(CPET)；(2)与美国空军学院的Kimberly De La Harpe博士合作研究一种寡核苷酸的光化学；TRIR光谱先前已用UV/可见光瞬时吸收(TA)光谱研究过；(3)与犹他大学的Cynthia Burrow教授合作研究为Kohler基团合成的小双链的TRIR和TA研究；以及(4)研究DES中DNA的光化学的新推力。实验工作将受益于意大利生物结构和生物成像研究所国家研究委员会教授Roberto Improta教授的理论小组提供的见解。

With this awwrd, the Chemical Structure Dynamics and Mechanisms-A (CSDM-A) Program of the Division of Chemistry is funding Professor Bern Kohler of Montana State University to investigate the photophysics of double-stranded DNA. Double-stranded DNA appears to have enhanced stability against photo-degradation, and the Kohler group is undertaking a detailed investigation to better understand the mechanistic underpinnings of this photochemical stability. In additional experiments, Prof. Kohler and his research students will investigate how the photochemistry of DNA differs in so-called deep eutectic solvents (DES). Prof. Kohler's research has important implications in biology and medicine, in that understanding the way DNA interacts with light has direct bearing on understanding the ways that ultraviolet light from the sun can damage skin. Students working in the Kohler laboratory receive training at the interface of physical chemistry and biology, as preparation for careers in the acedemic or biotechnology sectors.The Kohler research group includes active participation of undergraduate students in authentic research. In addition, Prof. Kohler and his group members are engaged in outreach to K-12 students and teachers in the state of Montana, through a variety of established programs, such as Montana State University's Science Math Resource Center and the Montana Space Grant Consortium.Professor Bern Kohler and his research group will conduct detailed photochemistry experiments using ultrafast laser methods to investigate the interesting photophysics of double-stranded DNA. Questions remain as to how exactly double-stranded DNA photochemically decays after electronic excitation. In the present award, Professor Kohler and his group will conduct a number of experiments to develop a better understanding of the photochemical details. Experiments to be conducted include: (1) a study of concerted proton-electron transfer (CPET) in AT and GC DNA using time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectroscopy; (2) a collaborative study with Dr. Kimberly de La Harpe of the USAF Academy on the photochemistry of an oligonucleotide with TRIR spectroscopy that has been studied previously with UV/Visible transient absorbance (TA) spectroscopy; (3) a TRIR and TA study of miniduplexes synthesized for the Kohler group in a collaboration with Prof. Cynthia Burrows of the University of Utah; and (4) a new thrust investigating the photochemistry of DNA in DES's. Experimental work will benefit from insight provided by the theoretical group of Professor Roberto Improta of the National Research Council of Italy's Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging.